Kent Haruf

Kent Haruf, who brought to life the stories of people and town life in eastern Colorado, died at age 71 on Sunday. His fictional town of Holt, Colorado is based on three actual towns where he grew up and is captured in his trilogy of novels “Plainsong” (1999), “Eventide” (2004), and “Benediction” (2013).

Benediction continues the story of the small, ever-changing, ever-the-same, town of Holt, Colorado. In "Plainsong," the picture of traditional family was shifted when two brothers took in a pregnant girl who became their "daughter." "Eventide," saw the community ban together to protect a family from a violent uncle. "Benediction," brings a minister from Denver to the high plains, who challenges the community's beliefs, and Holt will never be the same.